Questions To Ask Before Investing In A Business Opportunity (2024)



Before you invest, whether it is in a franchise, multi-level marketing program or other business opportunity, there are many things you should consider.

The following is a guide to some of the questions you should ask yourself. Go over these questions carefully to help make your decision.

Your Investment

  1. How much money do you have to invest?
  2. How much money can you afford to lose?
  3. Will you operate alone or will you have partners?
  4. Will you need financing? How will you obtain it?
  5. Do you have savings or income to live on while you start your new business?

Your Knowledge and Skills

  1. Are special skills or education required?
  2. Do you posses these skills or can you easily get them?
  3. What specialized knowledge or talents do you bring to the business?
  4. Do you have the necessary skills to manage a business?

Your Goals

  1. Do you require a specific level of income?
  2. Is this a new field of interest?
  3. Do you like sales or performing a service?
  4. How many hours are you willing to spend on your business?
  5. Do you want the day to day management of the business or are you going to hire a manager?
  6. Will this be your primary source of income or a supplement to your present income?
  7. Is this something that you will enjoy doing for the next 20 years?
  8. Are you interested in staying small or do you want to grow large?

Making Your Selection

Investing in a business opportunity is like any other investment, there are risks. As you narrow down your possibilities, carefully consider these factors.

  1. What is the background of the promoter?
  2. What is the level of support you will receive?
  3. Have you talked to other owners?

Demand

  1. Is there a demand for the product or service?
  2. Is it seasonal?
  3. Is it a fad?
  4. Is the product or service a one time shot, or will it generate repeat business?
  5. Even though it may be the greatest thing in Florida, will it work in Washington?

Competition

  1. Is there competition, not only in your immediate area, but nationally?
  2. Are there other companies offering the same products or services?
  3. Will you be competing with well-established businesses with name recognition?
  4. What will set you apart from them?

Your Ability to Operate a Business

  1. Will you be able to operate if the promoter or parent company goes out of business?
  2. Will you be able to purchase supplies?
  3. Can you run your business alone without extra personnel?

Name Recognition (Franchises or Multi-level Marketing)

The main reason for purchasing a franchise or multi-level marketing program is the right to use the company's name. The more successful the franchisor or multi-level program, the more the name will be recognized.

  1. How widely recognized is the name?
  2. Is the name and/or logo a registered trademark?
  3. How long has the parent company been in business?

Company Reputation

  1. What is the company's reputation for services, products?
  2. Are there any complaints on file against the company with the Better Business Bureau or a local consumer protection agency?
  3. Are there any complaints on file with the Washington Department of Financial Institutions?

Training and Support Services

  1. Does the company offer training or ongoing support services?
  2. How does the training compare with other similar training?
  3. Will you be competing with others with more training?
  4. What are the backgrounds of the current franchises or business opportunity owners?
  5. Do they have prior technical or special training that is enabling them to be successful?
Questions To Ask Before Investing In A Business Opportunity (2024)

FAQs

Questions To Ask Before Investing In A Business Opportunity? ›

Am I comfortable with the level of risk? Can I afford to lose my money? Every investment carries some degree of risk, some higher than others. A good rule of thumb – the higher an investment's potential return, the higher the risk of losing your money.

What is a very important question to consider before investing? ›

Am I comfortable with the level of risk? Can I afford to lose my money? Every investment carries some degree of risk, some higher than others. A good rule of thumb – the higher an investment's potential return, the higher the risk of losing your money.

What would you want to know about a business before investing in it? ›

Investors will want to see information that indicates the current financial status of the business. Usually, they will expect to see current reports such as a profit and loss statement, a balance sheet and a cash flow statement as well as projections for the next two or three years.

What is a SWOT analysis for investment opportunities? ›

SWOT (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats) analysis is a framework used to evaluate a company's competitive position and to develop strategic planning. SWOT analysis assesses internal and external factors, as well as current and future potential.

Which are key criteria for selecting investments? ›

In conclusion, a good investment possesses the following key criteria: liquidity, principal protection, expected returns, cash flow, and arbitrage opportunities. Understanding these criteria allows investors to assess the profitability, risk, and viability of an investment opportunity.

What is investment opportunity analysis? ›

Investment analysis involves researching and evaluating a security or an industry to predict its future performance and determine its suitability to a specific investor. Investment analysis may also involve evaluating or creating an overall financial strategy.

What is a typical opportunity investment? ›

Investment opportunities refer to potential investments that offer the potential for financial gain, such as stocks, bonds, mutual funds, real estate, and other assets. They are typically evaluated based on their potential for returns, risks, and liquidity.

What is a viable business opportunity? ›

A viable business opportunity is an opportunity that has the potential to be profitable and generate a positive return on investment. When pitching your startup to potential investors, it is important to highlight the viability of your business opportunity.

What to expect when investing in a business? ›

Before investing, understand the high level of risk involved in early-stage (angel) investment. Be sure to do your due-diligence. Depending on the investment you may need to take an active role in the new company. Also pay attention to expected timeframe, return on investment, and how you'll eventually cash out.

What is one of the most important rules when it comes to investing? ›

Start investing as early as possible

One of the most important rules of investing is to start as early as possible.

What is important to know before investing in stocks? ›

The company's revenue growth, profitability, debt levels, return on equity, position within its industry and the health of its industry are all metrics you should consider prior to making an investment, Sahagian says.

What are the three most important criteria to consider when investing? ›

The three most important criteria to consider when investing are return on investment, risk, and liquidity. Return on investment: Investors should assess the potential return or profit they can earn from their investment.

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